Friday, October 17th's live news on the conflict between Ukraine and Russia. The US president: I hope the conflict can be ended without Tomahawk missiles. Putin wants the war to end, just like Zelensky.
8.15pm | 17 October
Does Putin want to stall? Maybe, but I think he wants an agreement.
Faced with the suggestion that Putin is simply stalling, Trump said:"He may want to do that. I've done that with other people in my life. But I'm pretty good at figuring it out now. And I'm convinced Putin really wants a deal now."
8:11 PM | October 17
Trump: Let's hope the war ends without Tomahawks
The US president reiterated his doubts about the possibility of delivering Tomahawk missiles to Ukraine."I hope they won't need them," he said."I hope we can end the war without having to think about Tomahawks. These are great weapons, but also very dangerous: an escalation can lead to very bad things."
A few minutes earlier, Zelensky had said that his country will need US missiles to stop the Russian invasion, and had expressed his willingness to provide the US with the drones in which Kiev has become one of the world's leaders.
8:01 PM | October 17
Trump reiterates: India will no longer buy Russian oil
India will no longer buy Russian oil, US President Donald Trump reiterated in his meeting with Zelensky.
7:59 PM | October 17
Trump: Separate talks with Putin and Zelensky may be possible
Vladimir Putin and Volodymyr Zelensky can't stand each other, and we want the situation to be comfortable for everyone. So, one way or another, three of us will be involved, but we could also be separated, US President Donald Trump stated, receiving his Ukrainian counterpart at the White House."Well, let's see what happens. I believe President Putin wants to end the war, otherwise I wouldn't be speaking this way," he concluded.
7:57 PM | October 17
Trump: Budapest for meeting with Putin because I like Orban
Receiving Volodymyr Zelensky at the White House, Donald Trump explained that he chose Budapest for the meeting with Putin because he likes Hungarian leader Viktor Orban.
7:49 PM | October 17
Trump: I hope the war ends without Tomahawks
Giving Tomahawks to Kiev would be an escalation, but we'll talk about it: Donald Trump said so in the White House meeting with Volodymr Zelensky. We need Tomahawks if there ever was a war. And again: It would be better to end the war without Tomahawks.
7:45 PM | October 17
Trump: We'll also discuss the possibility of attacks on Russian soil.
We'll talk about it. Donald Trump said this regarding the possibility that the United States might allow Ukraine to strike deep into Russian territory."We'll talk about it," the US president responded to a reporter's question.
7:44 PM | October 17
Zelensky: We need a ceasefire
We are open to a peace meeting. Putin is not, so we need to find the conditions to push Putin to negotiate. Zelensky told reporters. We need a ceasefire and we are open to any negotiating format to achieve peace.
7:41 PM | October 17
Trump to Zelensky: I will meet with Putin in Budapest
The US president told Zelensky and reporters that he will meet Putin in Hungary."We'll see what happens. I think Putin wants to end the war like Zelensky," Trump said. He added:"Things are falling into place, starting with Alaska. We're trying to resolve it. So many people have died in this war, and it must end."
7:38 PM | October 17
Zelensky thanks Trump for the invitation: Putin is not ready for peace
Putin is not ready for peace, but with his help we could end the war. Zelensky said, thanking Trump for the invitation to the White House. The meeting is taking place in front of reporters.
7:31 PM | October 17
Zelensky arrived at the White House, welcomed by Trump
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky arrived at the White House shortly before 1:30 PM local time (7:30 PM in Italy) for his third visit to Donald Trump. He was welcomed by Donald Trump. The two will now have a working lunch in the Cabinet Room, whereas in their previous two visits this year, meetings were held in the Oval Office. Tomahawk missiles and air defense systems were on the agenda, following the tycoon's delay yesterday following his phone call with Vladimir Putin.
6:59 PM | October 17
Former NATO Secretary: Dealing with Putin from a position of strength
I believe we need to talk to Russia if we want the war in Ukraine to end. But the dialogue must be conducted from a position of strength. This is what former NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg stated today at the Frankfurt Book Fair, presenting his memoirs, published in Germany by Siedler. In the book, the former secretary made no secret of his closeness to Ukraine, and today he continued to reiterate the need to support it politically, financially, and militarily. Only when Putin realizes he cannot win on the battlefield will he sit down and agree to negotiate, Stoltenberg said, as reported by the German news agency dpa.
6:45 PM | October 17
Anti-war activist arrested by Russian police
A Russian activist was reportedly detained by police in St. Petersburg after protesting the war in Ukraine, according to Novaya Gazeta Europe, citing RusNews, which reported the man holding a sign in the colors of the Ukrainian flag and the words"No to War with Ukraine" in Palace Square. According to Novaya Gazeta Europe, the same activist had already been detained by Russian police in June and detained for 24 hours on charges of carrying a photo of the late Russian opposition leader Alexei Navalny to the Solovetsky Stone, a monument dedicated to the victims of political repression. According to the newspaper, he was then accused of displaying extremist symbols. Navalny died in February 2024 under unclear circumstances while unjustly held in a prison in the Russian Arctic on charges of clearly politically motivated extremism. His allies accuse the Kremlin of his murder.
6:09 PM | October 17
Russian advisor proposes Putin-Trump tunnel with the US
A tunnel under the Bering Strait to be named after Vladimir Putin and Donald Trump, connecting the Russian and US coasts. This is the idea floated, after yesterday's telephone conversation between the two presidents, by Kirill Dmitriev, Russia's special envoy for economic cooperation with foreign countries and head of the Direct Investment Fund. Dmitriev, who grew up in the US, studied at Stanford and Harvard, and is a former Goldman Sachs official, is the one who, along with US envoy Steve Witkoff, has pushed hardest in recent months for a rapprochement between Washington and Moscow."Let's build a future together!" Dmitriev wrote on X. Imagine connecting the US and Russia, the Americas and Afro-Eurasia," adds Putin's advisor, quoted by Tass,"with the Putin-Trump tunnel, a 70-mile link symbolizing unity. According to Dmitriev, the project could be completed by the Boring company, founded by Elon Musk, in eight years at a cost of eight billion dollars. Dmitriev points out that the tunnel could enable rail and road transport and open up prospects for joint exploration. At the same time, joint Russian-American projects would create jobs and boost the economies of both countries. The Fund he directs, he adds, has already financed and built the first railway bridge between Russia and China. Now, he concludes, the time has come to do more and connect continents for the first time in human history. The time has come to connect Russia and the US.
6:01 PM | October 17
Historic tirades, raised voices, and a canceled lunch: A reconstruction of the Trump-Putin meeting in Alaska.
by Viaviana Mazza, from our correspondent in Washington
When President Trump arrived in Alaska last August, he expected there to be a real possibility of an agreement with Putin to end the war in Ukraine. But once he landed in Anchorage, the Russian leader rejected his proposal and began giving him a history lesson.
The Financial Times reports this, and the topic is more relevant than ever in view of the next Trump-Putin meeting in a couple of weeks in Budapest. In Anchorage, Putin was welcomed with a red carpet, and smiled widely between handshakes and pats on the back with Trump. But once the doors closed, the warm attitude was gone.
Read the article here
5:39 PM | October 17
Berlin: Trump-Putin? No decision without Kiev.
German Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul emphasized that Ukraine must be included in any agreement that affects it. There must be no decision on Ukraine without Ukraine, Merz said in Ankara, referring to the scheduled meeting between US President Donald Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin. According to Wadephul, the talks scheduled in Budapest are an attempt to convince Putin to engage in serious negotiations with Ukraine. Ukraine will insist on this and has the support of the Federal Republic of Germany, the German minister explained.
5:18 PM | October 17
CNN: Trump and Putin haven't ruled out sending Tomahawks to Kiev.
In a nearly two-and-a-half-hour telephone conversation with Kremlin leader Vladimir Putin, US President Donald Trump did not rule out the possibility of sending Tomahawk missiles to Kiev, as requested by Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky. CNN reports this, citing two of its well-informed sources. However, they say Trump will not commit to providing the Tomahawks to Kiev during his meeting with Zelensky later at the White House. CNN emphasizes, however, that the situation could change once Trump sits down with the Ukrainian leader. And the sources confirm that the US president can order more weapons to Ukraine at any time.
5:09 PM | October 17
FT: EU proposes use of Russian assets for US weapons in Kiev
The EU proposes to use part of a proposed €140 billion loan backed by frozen Russian assets to purchase US weapons for Ukraine. The bulk of this loan would be used for arms purchases, according to a Commission document detailing the loan structure, seen by the Financial Times, as well as to support Ukraine and European defense industries.
4:41 PM | October 17
Orban: Budapest is the only place in Europe for a peace summit.
Budapest is effectively the only place in Europe where a peace summit between the United States and Russia can be held. Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban wrote this in X, reiterating the interview he gave to Radio Kossuth the day after US President Donald Trump announced an upcoming meeting in the Hungarian capital with his Russian counterpart Vladimir Putin on the conflict in Ukraine. First of all, because Hungary is effectively the only country that supports peace if you look at the political map of Europe, Orban argued. And then because there is the advantage that the Hungarian prime minister has been in office for a long time. I know everyone and everyone knows me. We have always been loyal partners, he added.
4:07 PM | October 17
Finland announces thirtieth aid package for Kiev
Finland will deliver its 30th material assistance package to Ukraine. The decision was made by the President of the Republic, based on the Government's proposal, on October 17, 2025. This was announced in a press release issued by the Finnish Ministry of Defense. The capabilities provided in this package will cost Finland approximately €52 million. The package consists primarily of new orders from Finnish companies. Finland has so far supplied defense equipment to Ukraine worth a total of €2.9 billion, Finnish Defense Minister Antti Hakkanen noted in the press release.
3:48 PM | October 17
Mykolaiv Governor: City attacked by guided bombs for the first time
Yesterday, the Russian Armed Forces used guided aerial bombs for the first time since the start of the war to strike the city of Mykolaiv in Ukraine. Mykolaiv Regional Governor Vitalii Kim stated this. The governor emphasized that the Russian military launched two guided aerial bombs simultaneously against the city. This is the first time ever that (bombs) have landed on Mykolaiv. The type is being determined. But it is the first time since the start of the war that the city's surroundings have been attacked with guided aerial bombs, he added.
3:24 PM | October 17
Von der Leyen and Macron discussed the geopolitical situation.
I thank Emmanuel Macron for welcoming me to the Elysée Palace for an in-depth discussion on the geopolitical situation and European competitiveness, ahead of next week's European Council. European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen wrote this in X. A busy agenda awaits us: accelerating our simplification and decarbonization agenda, resolutely supporting Ukraine, strengthening our European defense capabilities, and the European Union's role in promoting lasting peace in Gaza and its reconstruction. On each of these issues, we are working closely with France, she adds.
3:06 PM | October 17
CNN: Zelensky will push Trump to equip Kiev with long-range weapons.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky is expected to push President Donald Trump during today's White House meeting to equip Kiev with additional long-range weapons capable of striking targets deep inside Russian territory. CNN reports that the United States has stepped up intelligence sharing with Ukraine, including information on targets deeper inside Russian territory. This is part of a strategic shift that both countries hope will revive negotiations with Moscow, which stalled after the Trump-Putin summit in Alaska failed to produce a peace agreement, according to two sources familiar with the situation.
3:01 PM | October 17
Zelensky meets with the US Energy Secretary in Washington
Before meeting with Donald Trump today at the White House, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky held talks with Department of Energy Secretary Chris Wright and several American energy and defense companies, including Bechtel, GE Vernova, Westinghouse Electric Company, Lockheed Martin, and Raytheon."During my meeting with Department of Energy Secretary Chris Wright, we discussed in detail partnership projects in the energy sector," Zelensky wrote in a post on X."I told him about Russia's attacks on Ukraine's energy system and the need to restore the affected facilities as quickly as possible," the Kiev leader added. One of the focal points of the meetings was the prospects for joint initiatives in the oil, gas, and nuclear energy sectors. Ukraine possesses rich, but largely untapped, reserves of essential minerals used in everything from electric batteries to weapons and aircraft.
2:57 PM | October 17
Budapest: We will guarantee Putin's entry into the country
Hungary will ensure that Russian President Vladimir Putin can enter the country for the summit with US President Donald Trump scheduled for Budapest, Hungarian Foreign Minister Péter Szijjírtó stated at a press conference. We are ready to create the appropriate conditions for the US and Russian presidents to hold talks in safe and peaceful conditions, the Hungarian foreign minister explained. All technical issues, from location to timing, have yet to be decided, he added, but as soon as the date is finalized, we will of course provide information.
2:50 PM | October 17
Slovakia fully supports Trump-Putin meeting in Budapest
The Slovak government fully supports the initiative for a meeting between the presidents of Russia and the United States, Vladimir Putin and Donald Trump, in Budapest. Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico said this ahead of the intergovernmental meeting between Slovakia and Ukraine in Kosice. There are many compelling reasons why this meeting will take place in Budapest, Fico said. If the outcome of this summit is peace in Ukraine, he continued, then it will send one of the most significant messages of the century. Fico reiterated, however, that his country supports Ukraine's independence and territorial sovereignty."The fact that we are here together today is a very important signal. We are neighbors, and neighbors must coexist and help each other, especially when a neighbor needs help," the Slovak prime minister continued. Fico also recalled that Bratislava supports Kiev's accession to the EU. If you are determined and believe that your future lies in the EU, I also believe that your membership will have mutual economic benefits, that it will strengthen the stability of the region and that it will give new impetus to our relations, he said.
2:30 PM | October 17
Stoltenberg: Better arming Kiev might have avoided war
If we had supported Ukraine more effectively after 2014 and provided better weapons, perhaps the Russian invasion would not have occurred. Today, Kiev could control more territory, and Russia could have been deterred from attacking. Former NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg said this during a press conference at the Frankfurt Book Fair, presenting his memoirs,"In the Room of Control." Stoltenberg added: "At the time, we feared that arming Ukraine would provoke Moscow. More decisive military support could probably have prevented the entire war. We wanted to prevent an escalation, and I still believe it was right that NATO did not get directly involved in a conflict with Russia."
2:13 PM | October 17
Nord Stream sabotage: Polish court denies extradition to Germany for Ukrainian citizen suspected
A Polish court has denied the extradition to Germany of Ukrainian citizen Volodymyr Zhuravlev, suspected of involvement in the terrorist attack on the Nord Stream gas pipeline. Russian news agencies reported this. Zhuravlev was arrested in Poland at the request of German authorities. In early October, Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk stated that the Polish government opposed Zhuravlev's extradition, but that the decision rested with the court.
2:11 PM | October 17
The International Criminal Court: Putin in Hungary? The arrest warrant is valid.
The withdrawal from the Rome Statute takes effect one year after the notification of withdrawal is filed with the Secretary-General of the United Nations, the depositary of international treaties. The withdrawal has no effect on ongoing proceedings or any matter already under consideration by the Court prior to the effective date of the withdrawal. The International Criminal Court (ICC) explained this to ANSA regarding the validity of the arrest warrant for Vladimir Putin if he enters Hungary. Carrying out the Court's executive decisions is a legal obligation and a responsibility, it adds.
1:55 PM | October 17
Media reports: Russia shoots down its own Su-30SM fighter in Crimea
Russia shot down its Su-30SM fighter jet overnight in Crimea, as its air defense systems attempted to intercept Ukrainian drones flying toward the peninsula. Ukrainian Navy spokesman Dmytro Pletenchuk announced the news, adding that radio recordings revealed that the pilot flying the fighter jet in northwestern Crimea died after two engines caught fire. It's likely that the enemy shot down its own fighter while repelling a Ukrainian drone attack, Pletenchuk told the Kyiv Independent. The Ukrainian drone attack appears to have hit a facility near the Gvardeyskoye airbase in Crimea, where it reportedly started a fire at an oil depot, the Crimean Wind Telegram channel reports. The Russian administration in Sevastopol has remained silent about the possible consequences of the Ukrainian attack.
1:54 PM | October 17
Over a thousand Cubans are fighting with the Russians in Ukraine.
A total of 1,076 Cubans have already fought or are currently fighting for Russia in Ukraine, Ukrainian military intelligence (HUR) has confirmed. At least 96 are dead or missing, according to data provided to The Kyiv Independent. These figures echo an unclassified US diplomatic cable released in early October, which estimated between 1,000 and 5,000 Cubans were participating in the Russian invasion of Ukraine. Cuba's Foreign Ministry has denied any involvement, accusing Washington of false accusations and stating that Havana does not support the deployment of its citizens to the war.
According to Ukrainian intelligence, Russia is targeting economically vulnerable Cubans through fake construction job advertisements posted on Facebook, YouTube, and TikTok. However, according to an investigation by Bloomberg, Moscow offers attractive salaries and fast-track access to Russian citizenship to Cubans willing to fight. Private intermediaries then organize their travel to Russia, sometimes financing the plane tickets, while tourist or work visas are issued by Russian institutions. Once in Russia, recruits are offered military contracts written solely in Russian, without translation, instead of employment contracts, HUR explained.
1:10 PM | October 17
Dodik: Putin and Trump in Budapest to recognize Orban
For Bosnian Serb nationalist leader Milorad Dodik, the decision to hold the new summit between Russian and US Presidents Vladimir Putin and Donald Trump in Budapest is a recognition of both Viktor Orban and Hungary, who support values such as peace, understanding, and normality in international relations. In a message posted on X, Dodik—as reported by Serbian media—observed that these values are the same as those advocated by his Republika Srpska, the Serb-majority entity in Bosnia and Herzegovina. Prime Minister Orban, Dodik added, does not reduce politics to violence and imposition, but to a vision that prioritizes negotiation, respect, and efforts to reach a solution. Budapest deserves to be a beacon in a time of uncertainty, a city of bridges, not walls.
1:05 PM | October 17
EU: Putin's arrest in Hungary? Are states bound by ICC obligations?
We want to be clear on the International Criminal Court: our position has always been clear, and we are happy to reiterate it here. The EU supports the International Criminal Court and the principles enshrined in the Rome Statute. We respect the Court's independence and impartiality. We are firmly committed to international criminal justice and the fight against impunity. This was stated by the European Commission's Foreign Affairs Spokesperson, Anouar El Anouni, at the daily press briefing, responding to a question about Hungary's obligation to execute Vladimir Putin's arrest warrant during the summit with Trump. And here I would like to recall the 2023 Council Conclusions, in which the Council called on all states to ensure full cooperation with the Court, including through the swift execution of outstanding arrest warrants, and to conclude a voluntary agreement, he emphasized. That said, another issue raised here was the withdrawal from the Court: the withdrawal will enter into force one year after notification to the Depositary, in Hungary. We would like to point out that this has no effect on a State's obligation to cooperate in relation to investigations and proceedings initiated before that date, it specifies.
12:46 PM | October 17
Kiev: Zelensky remains available to meet Putin
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky remains open to meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin as part of talks aimed at ending the conflict in Ukraine, but has ruled out any meeting on Russian or Belarusian soil. Andriy Yermak, head of the Ukrainian presidential administration, explained this in an interview with Axios. Putin has repeatedly rejected such an offer. The Ukrainian president hopes that his meeting with President Trump today will lead to clear decisions from the United States on the weapons systems it is prepared to supply."I think we need to make decisions that will help change Putin's mind, given that he believes he is in a position of strength. He must understand that President Trump cannot be played," Yermak said.
12:43 PM | October 17
Kremlin: The logistics of Putin's trip are unclear
The logistics of Russian President Vladimir Putin's trip to Hungary for the Russia-US summit are still unclear, according to the Russian leader's spokesman, Peskov."For now, of course, the situation is unclear," Peskov said, answering journalists' questions about a possible Russia-US summit in Hungary. Yesterday's phone call between Putin and US President Donald Trump was one of the longest of the year. At the end of the conversation, Trump announced he would meet the Russian leader in Budapest. To fly from Moscow to Budapest, the Russian president would have to fly over European countries, members of the International Criminal Court (ICC), which has issued an international arrest warrant for him. The Hungarian government, which announced in April that it would withdraw from the ICC, has already said it has granted the Kremlin leader safe entry into the country, thus avoiding the obligation to arrest him.
12:40 PM | October 17
Kremlin: Putin was clear about Tomahawk missiles
According to Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov, during yesterday's phone call, Russian President Vladimir Putin clarified Russia's position on Tomahawk supplies to Kiev to US leader Donald Trump. But the fact that Russia's position was made very clear by President Putin shouldn't be questioned, Peskov told reporters. We must ask Washington whether the dialogue between Putin and Trump has reduced the threat of Tomahawk supplies to Kiev, Peskov added.
12:31 PM | October 17
ICC: Putin in Hungary to meet Trump? Budapest should arrest him.
Hungary should arrest Russian leader Vladimir Putin if he arrives in Budapest for a possible face-to-face meeting with Donald Trump, according to the International Criminal Court (ICC). There has been an arrest warrant for Putin since 2023 in connection with Russia's invasion of Ukraine, which began more than three years ago. He is suspected of war crimes, for the deportation and transfer of Ukrainian children from areas of Ukraine under Russian control, but he has continued to visit foreign countries, and on October 8, he was in Tajikistan, a signatory to the Rome Statute. A spokesperson for the ICC reiterated in statements to Europa Press that Hungary remains under its duty to arrest Putin, despite its decision to withdraw from the Rome Statute announced in recent months. Withdrawal from the Rome Statute is a sovereign decision, subject to the provisions of Article 127 of the Statute,” the spokesperson stressed. “A withdrawal becomes effective one year after notification to the Secretary-General of the United Nations, i.e. on 2 June 2026.
12:30 PM | October 17
EU: Every step towards a just peace in Ukraine is welcome.
President Ursula von der Leyen welcomes every step toward a lasting peace in Ukraine. Any meeting that advances a just and lasting peace process for Ukraine is welcome. If the meeting takes place and moves in this direction, it is welcome. This was stated by Olof Gill, spokesperson for the European Commission, regarding the scheduled Putin-Trump meeting in Budapest.
12:22 PM | October 17
Germany: We support the Trump-Putin meeting but remain skeptical.
The German government supports the meeting between US President Donald Trump and his Russian counterpart Vladimir Putin on the war in Ukraine, but remains generally skeptical. Deputy Federal Government Spokesman Steffen Meyer told the German press agency Dts."It is urgently necessary to embark on a path toward a just peace. For us, the starting point, as we have always made clear, is a ceasefire. Otherwise, there is little point in discussing peace. The German government is very curious, but also quite skeptical, about Putin's stance on this issue," the spokesman stated.
12:21 PM | October 17
Moscow defends Budapest's choice for the Putin-Trump summit
The Kremlin defended Hungary's choice, despite being a member of NATO and the European Union, as the host of the upcoming summit between Russian President Vladimir Putin and US President Donald Trump. Hungary, a member of NATO and the EU, maintains a special position regarding its sovereignty, from the perspective of defending its national interests. This undoubtedly inspires the respect of both leaders, Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said at a press conference, confirming that Putin discussed the matter by telephone with Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban.
12:12 PM | October 17
Kremlin: Putin-Trump summit possible within two weeks
The new summit between Donald Trump and Vladimir Putin could indeed take place within two weeks or shortly thereafter. Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov confirmed this, adding that there is a general understanding and nothing should be postponed in the long term.
The Kremlin also clarified that many issues must be resolved before Putin and Trump can meet, including the selection of members of each negotiating team. Foreign Minister Lavrov and Secretary of State Rubio will begin work on this. There are many issues, negotiating teams need to be defined, and so on, Peskov stated. It could indeed take place within two weeks or shortly thereafter.
11:56 AM | October 17
Moscow sentences 15 captured Kiev soldiers on terrorism charges
Russia's military court in Rostov-on-Don has sentenced 15 captured Ukrainian soldiers on terrorism charges to prison terms ranging from 15 to 21 years, following a trial Kiev called a farce and a violation of international law. The 15 men belong to the Aidar Battalion, which Russia has designated a terrorist group. The verdict marks the second mass trial of Ukrainian prisoners of war since March, when 23 members of the elite Azov Brigade were convicted on similar charges in a trial Ukraine also condemned as a violation of international law. When the Aidar trial began in 2023, Ukrainian human rights envoy Dmytro Lubinets called it shameful and accused Russia of criminalizing those who defended their homeland.
11:45 AM | October 17
Budapest: Rubio-Lavrov talks possible today
Hungarian Foreign Minister Peter Szijjarto said that, according to his information, Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov will meet with U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio today, ahead of the summit in Budapest between Presidents Donald Trump and Vladimir Putin."Yesterday, my Russian colleague informed me that today he will have a telephone conversation with an American, whom Donald Trump has asked to lead the American preparations for the negotiations," Szijjarto said at a press conference in Budapest.
11:32 AM | October 17
Budapest: Preparations underway for Trump-Putin meeting, we will ensure the Russian president's entry
Hungarian Foreign Minister Péter Szijjartó said that preparations for the meeting between US President Donald Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin in Budapest are in full swing."I just spoke with Yuri Ushakov, President Putin's foreign policy adviser," he wrote in X."Having consistently fought for peace since the beginning of the war in Ukraine, Hungary is ready to host the US-Russia summit. We will ensure all conditions for productive talks so that peace can finally return to Europe," he added, noting that he had also spoken with US Deputy Secretary of State Christopher Landau and Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov.
11:28 AM | October 17
Moscow: Three more villages in eastern Ukraine seized control
The Russian Defense Ministry says Moscow's military has seized three more villages in eastern Ukraine. According to a statement and Reuters report, the Russians have captured Pryvilla in the Dnipropetrovsk region, Pishchane, and Tikhe in the Kharkiv region.
11:17 AM | October 17
EU sources: 64% of aid to Kiev comes from five European countries, it's unsustainable
During the upcoming Foreign Affairs Council, to be held Monday in Luxembourg, the issue of bilateral support to Ukraine will be addressed, given that, currently, 64% of military aid is provided by five European countries, four of which are members of the European Union, and this is unsustainable, according to a senior European diplomatic source. The issue isn't just a North-South one; it's much broader, the source adds. At the same time, the possibility of using Russian frozen funds to offer loans to Kiev, thus freeing up capital for Ukraine to continue the war, will be discussed. But there's no consensus on this either.
11:15 AM | October 17
Putin needs permission to fly to Budapest
Vladimir Putin will need permission to fly over EU countries and land in Budapest for the summit with Donald Trump, a European diplomatic source said."I'm happy to have nothing to do with his travel plans," he added. According to current information, the summit will not take place next week, as Russian and American officials have yet to discuss the details. For Europe, however, this is a problematic issue that raises several political questions, even though no one expects Budapest to implement the ICC's arrest warrant.
11:07 AM | October 17
Vucic congratulates Orban on the new Putin-Trump summit
Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic, in a telephone conversation late yesterday evening, congratulated Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban on organizing the new summit between Russian and American Presidents Vladimir Putin and Donald Trump, who will meet soon in Budapest in an attempt to end the Russian-Ukrainian armed conflict."I wished them every success and expressed my confidence in the perfect organization of this historic event," Vucic wrote on his Instagram profile, as reported by Belgrade media. During the meeting, he added, the development of bilateral relations between Serbia and Hungary was also discussed, and a meeting was agreed upon in the next seven days. Vucic and Orban maintain excellent relations, regularly visiting each other in both countries. This closeness of position and shared goals has fostered a significant intensification of relations between Belgrade and Budapest, with Hungary rising to the top in terms of trade. A high-speed rail line is under construction between the two capitals, and is expected to be operational by the middle of next year.
10:48 AM | October 17
China on the Trump-Putin meeting: We support any peace efforts
Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Lin Jian, responding to a request for comment on the meeting announced by US President Donald Trump with Russian President Vladimir Putin in Hungary, said that China supports all efforts to promote the peaceful resolution of the crisis in Ukraine and is pleased to see Russia and the United States maintaining contact, improving their relations, and promoting a political resolution to the crisis. The Global Times reported the news.
10:22 AM | October 17
The expansion of Russia's Engels base, Moscow's main strategic aviation hub, is underway.
Russia is expanding Engels 2 air base in the Saratov region, already the main strategic aviation hub, where TU-95MS and TU-160 long-range bombers are already stationed, Ukrainian sources reported. Satellite imagery indicates that 12 new airfields are under construction. The base is located approximately 620 kilometers from the Ukrainian border and has been the target of Kiev's drone strikes. One strike destroyed an ammunition depot at the base.
10:14 AM | October 17
Perhaps starting today, hostilities in Zaporizhia will be suspended to repair the power plant.
The decision to temporarily suspend hostilities to repair power lines connected to the Zaporizhzhia nuclear power plant (ZNPP), occupied by Russia, could be made as early as today, Ukrainska Pravda reports, citing Sky News. Alexei Likhachev, head of Russia's state nuclear corporation Rosatom, said that introducing a quiet period would allow work to be done on two damaged power lines, one on territory controlled by Russia and the other by Ukraine. This is a very difficult decision that requires a careful balance. It is very provisional, very preliminary, and it is possible that it could be implemented as early as tomorrow, Likhachev stated yesterday. The Zaporizhzhia nuclear power plant, the largest in Europe, currently does not produce electricity. It relies on an external energy source to cool nuclear materials and prevent a serious accident.
10:10 AM | October 17
Putin convenes Security Council after phone call with Trump
Russian President Vladimir Putin convened the National Security Council in the Kremlin to inform its members of the outcome of last night's telephone conversation with his American counterpart, Donald Trump. Putin's foreign policy adviser, Yuri Ushakov, said that yesterday evening, immediately after the phone call with Trump, the president summoned the permanent members of the Security Council to the Kremlin and briefed them in detail on the content of the latest exchange of views with their American counterparts.
10:06 AM | October 17
Dragon Cable: No immediate danger for NATO countries
There is no immediate danger that Russia might take aggressive action against Alliance countries because this would trigger Article 5. The only idea the Atlantic Alliance fosters among its citizens is that to prevent war, it must have a level of deterrence such that a potential adversary is clear that any aggressive stance on its part would generate an action that would have far greater effects than any gains it might obtain. These were the words of Admiral Giuseppe Cavo Dragone, president of the NATO Committee, on Agorà Rai Tre, commenting on Russian Foreign Minister Lavrov's statement accusing NATO of fueling the idea of a possible war.
9:37 AM | October 17
Kiev's drones and missiles over Sochi and the Black Sea coast
Kiev drones and missiles struck targets on Russia's Black Sea coast overnight. Sochi Mayor Andrei Proshunin announced that a missile aimed at the city was repelled and urged residents to avoid beaches and coastal areas. Residents reported explosions and sirens on social media. Air traffic at Sochi International Airport was temporarily suspended due to the threat. No damage or casualties were reported. The Defense Ministry in Moscow announced that 32 Ukrainian drones had been intercepted over Crimea in the past few hours. Power plants in the region were damaged and blackouts were reported. A large oil depot in Simferopol was also reportedly hit.
9:18 AM | October 17
Orbán: Putin-Trump meeting will be preceded by Lavrov-Rubio meeting
The Russia-US summit in Hungary could take place a week after the meeting between Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov and US Secretary of State Marco Rubio, Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán announced. Yesterday, President Donald Trump told us to prepare; a meeting between the two foreign ministers is on the agenda. They agreed that the two foreign ministers would try to resolve the remaining issues within a week, and then, a week later, they could come here to Budapest, he told Radio Kossuth. The prime minister clarified that last night he ordered the creation of an organizing committee to prepare for the summit and that work has already begun. Orbán added that he intends to have a telephone conversation with Putin this morning. Yesterday, Trump and Putin had their eighth and longest telephone conversation since the beginning of the president's second term, lasting two and a half hours. According to presidential aide Yuri Ushakov, the two discussed a new summit, likely to be held in Budapest.
9:09 AM | October 17
Moscow launches drone attacks on Crimean power stations
Several electrical substations in Crimea were damaged in a drone attack, regional governor Sergei Aksyonov reported, cited by Interfax. As a result of the drone attack, several electrical substations in the Republic of Crimea were damaged. Repair work is currently underway, he wrote on Telegram.
8:55 AM | October 17
Zelensky meets with American manufacturer of Tomahawk missiles
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky said he met with representatives of the American manufacturer of the Tomahawk and Patriot missile systems, which Kiev requested to defend itself against a Russian invasion."We discussed Raytheon's production capacity, possible avenues for cooperation to strengthen Ukraine's air defense and long-range capabilities, as well as the prospect of joint Ukrainian-American production," Zelensky explained on social media. He is expected at the White House, where President Donald Trump is expected to receive him for the third time since taking office.
8:51 AM | October 17
Orban: Today I will talk to Putin about the summit with Trump
After speaking with US President Donald Trump, Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban will discuss today with Russian President Vladimir Putin the meeting between the two leaders planned in Budapest to end the conflict in Ukraine. The Hungarian prime minister announced this in an interview with Kossuth Radio. Trump had a productive meeting with the Russian president yesterday, and the foreign ministers are trying to resolve outstanding issues and will then be able to meet in Budapest a week later, Orban explained, reiterating that the official meeting between Hungary and the United States in Washington is also being finalized.
8:48 AM | October 17
Putin's ideologue: If Europe attacks us, we must respond with nuclear weapons.
by Marco Imarisio
Karaganov's idea for ending the Ukrainian conflict is almost unmentionable. In the summer of 2023, he argued for the need to launch a nuclear warhead on Poland. It was a paradox. I was simply saying that we need to reinstate the feeling of fear in humanity, which has completely lost the fear of God and war. This is why I say that if you were to attack us, we should respond with nuclear weapons. I hope for peace, and I am grateful to Putin and Trump for their efforts. But summits and handshakes are not enough. Starting with the US, everyone must understand that we are not fighting against Ukraine. Ours is a war against a united Europe. Against the Europe of Napoleon and Hitler. Your elites have lost all credibility and authority, and for this reason they are seeking a war against us. To stop them, a shock might be necessary.
Read the full interview
7:56 AM | October 17
Yermak: Zelensky-Trump meeting will lead to clear decisions on weapons
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky hopes that his meeting with President Trump at the White House today will lead to clear decisions from the United States on which weapons systems it is willing to supply. Zelensky's chief of staff, Andriy Yermak, stated this in an interview with Axios."I think we need decisions that will help change Putin's attitude, as he believes he is in a position of strength. He must understand that President Trump cannot be played," Yermak said.
6:56 AM | October 17
Russian Defense: 61 Ukrainian drones shot down overnight
Air defense forces destroyed 61 Ukrainian drones over Russian regions overnight, including two over the Moscow region, the Russian Defense Ministry reported. Thirty-two drones were intercepted over the Republic of Crimea, 13 over the Rostov region, six over the Black Sea, five over the Bryansk region, two over the Tula region and the Moscow region, and one over the Kursk region.
6:34 AM | October 17
Russian drones attack the city of Kryvyi Rih, hitting civilian infrastructure.
Kryvyi Rih has been subjected to a massive attack by Shahed drones, with more than 10 explosions reported while air defense systems were operational. The head of the Kryvyi Rih Defense Council, Oleksandr Vilkul, reported this on Telegram, as reported by Ukrinform. Kryvyi Rih. Massive Shahed attack. More than 10 explosions and over 10 Shaheds have already hit the city, he wrote. Russia continues to terrorize life in Ukraine, President Volodymyr Zelensky wrote on his official Telegram channel. Nothing has changed for Russia: it continues to terrorize life in Ukraine. A swarm of drones struck Kryvyi Rih, hitting civilian infrastructure. There were dozens of other attack drones in our skies. Missiles were also spotted. In fact, not a single night has passed in recent weeks without Russia attacking Ukraine. Most of the targets are infrastructure: a systematic campaign of terror against our energy sector, the post reads.
0:56|October 17
Zelensky landed in Washington, meeting with Trump today
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky arrived in Washington today to discuss arms supplies to Ukraine, including long-range Tomahawk missiles, with US President Donald Trump. A source in the Ukrainian delegation told AFP. Zelensky's arrival came shortly after a phone call between Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin, during which Moscow warned that the delivery of the Tomahawks to Kiev would jeopardize any peace agreement.
0:53 | October 17
Russia: Kiev attacks electrical substations in Crimea
Ukrainian unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) have damaged several electrical substations in the Republic of Crimea, regional head Sergey Aksyonov said, adding that repair work is underway. This was reported by Tass. Following an attack by UAVs, several electrical substations in the Republic of Crimea were damaged. Repair work is underway, he wrote on his Telegram channel.
0:17|October 17
Trump: I don't know what we can do about the Tomahawks, we need them too.
In the phone call with Vladimir Putin, the possibility of the US supplying Ukraine with long-range Tomahawk missiles was also discussed. But, the president added,"We need them for the United States too. We have a lot of them, but we need them too." I don't know what we can do about that, Trump concluded.
0:17|October 16
Ukrainian Foreign Minister: Tomahawk discussion prompted Putin to engage with US
Today's phone call between US President Donald Trump and Putin demonstrates how the discussion of the Tomahawk missiles alone has prompted Putin to return to dialogue with America. Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andriy Sybiha wrote this in X, commenting on the meeting between the leaders of the United States and Russia in which, according to the Kremlin, Putin warned that sending Tomahawks would not bring any benefits to Kiev on the ground, but would jeopardize relations between the two superpowers.
